42 



Romagnj/s Shield-grafting. 



is a front view. It will be observed that 

 at the notch n half the wood is scooped 

 away, and that the graft has only a thin 

 portion of wood two thirds of its length, 

 and that at o only the peel or bark re- 

 mains, also that the sides ^ and ^ {Jig. 6.) 

 have only bark or peel on their edges. 

 The graft thus prepared will slide into 

 the opening prepared in the bark of the 

 stock ( fig. 5.), so that the edge of the 

 bark of the graft joins the edge of the 

 bark {b c) in the stock. The notch 

 [n) resting on the horizontal cut of the 

 stock, and the bark of the stock {a c, 

 Jig. 5.) almost covering the graft. Held 

 in this position by the thumb and finger 

 of the left hand, it should be tied tight 

 with bass, covering the whole of the 

 opening. Afterwards apply grafting-wax, * to prevent the 

 contact of the air with the recent wounds of the stock and 

 graft. The graft may now be left to itself. The only care 



which it requires is, that 

 the stock should be freed, 

 from time to time, of any 

 buds which mijyht absorb 

 part of the sap ; and sup- 

 port given, if the graft grow 

 very rapidly. Figs. 8. and 

 9. show an advantageous 

 modification of shield-graft- 

 ing, which M. Vergnaud 

 Romagny believes has not 

 been practised. It always 

 succeeded, and is prefer- 

 able to the other mode, 

 when operating on the 

 young wood, or with the 

 more delicate species. This modification consists in preserving 

 an eye on the lower part of the graft, as at I m, fig. 8., and 



* The following receipt for grafting-wax will be found good, the heat of 

 the body or the month rendering it sufficiently soft for use : — Take common 

 sealing-wax, any colour, except green, one part; mutton fiit, one part; 

 white wax, one part; honey, one eighth of a part. The wax and the fat 

 to be first melted ; then add gradually the sealhig-wax in small pieces ; 

 keep it constantly stirred ; and, lastly, the honey, just before taking it off 

 the fire. It should be poured hot into paper or tin moulds, and kept 

 slightly agitated, till it begins to congeal. 



